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How much does a Payroll Manager make?

The average salary for a Payroll Manager is $103,671 per year in the US.

Payroll Managers play a key role in the financial health of a company. They oversee the payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Given the importance of their work, the salary for Payroll Managers reflects their expertise and responsibilities. The average yearly salary for a Payroll Manager is around $103,671, according to recent data.


Payroll Manager salaries can vary based on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level managers might start with salaries around $49,000. Mid-career professionals can expect to earn between $99,000 and $111,000. Top earners, with significant experience and in major metropolitan areas, can make over $161,000 annually. Many Payroll Managers also receive benefits, bonuses, and other incentives that add to their overall compensation package.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Payroll Manager?

Payroll Managers in San Jose, California, enjoy some of the highest pay in the nation. This city tops the list with an average salary of over $131,000. Another great option is San Francisco, California, where the average salary reaches nearly $131,000. For those open to other areas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a competitive average salary of over $130,000. This city joins others like Baltimore, Maryland, and Dallas, Texas, where Payroll Managers can expect strong compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Payroll Manager jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $131,799 and Cleveland, OH with the lowest at $121,910.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $131,799
    In San Jose, you will find rewarding work in a tech-driven environment. With many tech companies around, organizations need to handle payroll efficiently. Companies like Cisco Systems and eBay offer exciting opportunities for someone with payroll expertise.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $131,253
    San Francisco offers a dynamic job market with many opportunities for payroll professionals. Working in the Bay Area, you will support companies in industries like tech and finance. Companies such as Salesforce and Uber can provide promising roles.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $130,497
    In Philadelphia, you can find a mix of industries, from healthcare to education. Working in this diverse environment allows payroll managers to gain valuable experience. Companies like Comcast and Independence Blue Cross provide stable and rewarding careers.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  4. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $128,380
    Baltimore offers a mix of industries, including healthcare and finance. Working here, you will support a variety of companies with payroll needs. Organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine and T. Rowe Price offer stable and rewarding roles.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Baltimore, MD


  5. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $126,492
    Dallas is a hub for business and industry, offering diverse job opportunities. Here, payroll managers work with large companies in sectors like energy and technology. Firms like AT&T and JPMorgan Chase provide exciting career paths.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Dallas, TX


  6. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $126,061
    Tampa offers a growing job market with opportunities in healthcare and finance. Working in this vibrant city, you will support a variety of businesses with their payroll needs. Companies like AdventHealth and Raymond James offer promising roles.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Tampa, FL


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $125,181
    Minneapolis provides a strong job market with opportunities in finance and manufacturing. Working here, you will support a variety of companies with payroll needs. Firms like U.S. Bank and Target offer stable and rewarding careers.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $122,375
    Atlanta offers a diverse job market with opportunities in logistics and technology. Working in this vibrant city, you will support a variety of businesses with payroll needs. Companies like Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola offer promising roles.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Atlanta, GA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $122,193
    Seattle is a tech-driven city with many opportunities in the technology sector. Working here, you will support companies in industries like tech and aviation. Firms like Amazon and Boeing offer exciting career paths.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $121,910
    Cleveland offers a mix of industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. Working in this diverse environment, you will support a variety of companies with payroll needs. Organizations like Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams offer stable and rewarding roles.
    Find Payroll Manager jobs in Cleveland, OH

What are the best companies a Payroll Manager can work for?

Deloitte, Accenture, and KPMG offer some of the highest salaries for Payroll Manager positions, with averages reaching over $176,000. These well-established companies provide competitive compensation packages and growth opportunities. Other notable companies such as PwC and Addison Group also offer strong salaries, around $158,000 and $114,000 respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Payroll Manager jobs, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $187,833 and Applebee's with the lowest at $58,000.
  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $187,833
    Deloitte offers rewarding Payroll Manager positions, particularly in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. These roles provide comprehensive benefits and the chance to work on diverse projects across industries.


  2. Accenture
    Average Salary: $176,850
    Accenture presents attractive opportunities for Payroll Managers in cities such as Boston, Austin, and Seattle. This role allows for impactful work with a global clientele, offering competitive pay and excellent career growth.


  3. KPMG
    Average Salary: $176,567
    KPMG values its Payroll Managers, providing competitive salaries in locations like Los Angeles, Denver, and Washington, D.C. Employees benefit from strong professional development and a supportive work environment.


  4. PwC
    Average Salary: $158,750
    PwC offers appealing salaries for Payroll Managers, especially in hubs like Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Miami. The role includes dynamic work and opportunities for advancement within a reputable firm.


  5. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $114,375
    Addison Group provides solid compensation for Payroll Managers, with key positions in Dallas, Phoenix, and Minneapolis. This role offers flexibility and the chance to work with various industries.


  6. Vaco
    Average Salary: $99,600
    Vaco offers promising Payroll Manager roles, especially in San Diego, Minneapolis, and Charlotte. This position features a supportive team environment and room for career progression.


  7. Aston Carter
    Average Salary: $96,332
    Aston Carter provides rewarding positions for Payroll Managers in cities like Detroit, Orlando, and Nashville. This role offers stability and the chance to work with well-known companies.


  8. Robert Half
    Average Salary: $94,398
    Robert Half offers competitive salaries for Payroll Managers in areas such as Houston, Portland, and Salt Lake City. The role provides a chance to work in a dynamic and professional setting.


  9. Applebee's
    Average Salary: $58,000
    Applebee's provides good compensation for Payroll Managers, with positions available across many locations in the U.S. This role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for growth within the company.

How to earn more as a Payroll Manager?

Increasing your earning potential as a Payroll Manager requires attention to several key factors. First, gaining experience in diverse industries can make a significant difference. Each sector has unique payroll regulations and processes. Expertise in multiple areas makes a Payroll Manager more versatile and valuable. This experience can lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Certifications also play an important role. Professional credentials such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or the Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) demonstrate commitment and expertise. These certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions and increase your market value. Keeping skills up-to-date with the latest payroll technology is equally important. Familiarity with modern payroll software and systems enhances efficiency and reduces errors. Companies value these skills and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Networking within the payroll community can lead to better job offers. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations provide opportunities to connect with potential employers and peers. These connections can lead to job referrals and insights into high-paying roles. Finally, seeking leadership roles can boost earnings. Taking on responsibilities such as managing a team or overseeing multiple payroll departments shows initiative and leadership skills. Such roles often come with higher salaries.

  1. Diverse industry experience
  2. Professional certifications
  3. Up-to-date technology skills
  4. Strong professional network
  5. Leadership roles

Currently 329 Payroll Manager job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Payroll Manager in the US?

Learn what a Payroll Manager does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Payroll Manager today.
Position
Overview
Payroll Manager
329 Job Openings